Copa America 2021 final Highlights: Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to win first title

It is a moment that Lionel Messi will remember forever. He couldn’t lift the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2014 but this is some sort of a consolation. Argentina are continental champions after 28 long years.

It is a moment to cherish for a man who has given his all for his team. The Argentina players rush to Messi who falls on the ground and can be seen crying. Messi is lifted in the air by his teammates as La Albiceleste’s wait for a major trophy ends with a fairy tale finish in the land of the arch rivals.

Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 in final to win the Copa America title for the first time since 1993. This is Lionel Messi’s first major trophy with Argentina.

De Paul had a chance to seal it for Argentina but Ederson saves

Brazil trying to get the equaliser but Argentina holding on for their first major title since 1993, when they last won this tournament. They have since lost in 4 finals.

Messi runs down the left flank and then gets the pass inside the box. He fails to beat the keeper Ederson in a one on one situation.

Brazil come close again. The ball sits down perfectly for Gabi, who shoots, but Martinez saves.

Gabi gets a chance to shoot from close range but it goes out for a corner. Neymar takes it but the Brazilians in the centre are unable to get a shot or header on target.

Otamendi is booked as he fouls Neymar. There is a minor scuffle as Marquinhos pushes Otamendi to the ground in retaliation to his foul on Neymar. The Brazilian too goes in to the referee’s book.

The goal scorer is off the pitch. Di Maria is taken off and Palacios comes on. Two more changes for Argentina as they look to get in fresh legs to keep their lead intact.

Lot of Brazil pressure and Neymar trying to create chances but Argentina’s defence is resolute as of now.

71st minute and Neymar with some dribbling skills and he passes the ball inside the box. Paqueta is driven wide off the post by Tagliafico and his shot is way off target.

Little over the hour mark and Lionel Messi went past a couple of defenders and it looked he will shoot but he goes down easily inside the box. Referee is not interested even as Messi looks for a penalty.

Vinicius Junior is on the pitch in place of Everton. While Tagliafico is on for Argentina in place of Lo Celso. Earlier Paredes was taken off and Rodriguez came on for Argentina.

Firmino’s introduction has given depth to Brazil’s attack and Neymar got the ball inside the box but went down after a challenge. It was soft and the referee had nothing to offer to the Brazil number 10.

The hosts are all over the Argentines. Another attack and Richarlison gets a shot in but it is hit straight at Romero who saves.

Richarlison gets the ball in the back of the net early on but he is ruled off side. The celebrations come to sudden halt.

Neymar is fouled in the middle of the pitch as Lo Celso comes flying in and it is a late tackle. The Argentine is booked and Neymar looks in pain.

The 50th minute and Messi runs into some space on the right. He puts it in the centre for Di Maria to have a go but his shot is blocked.

Brazil coach Tite has made an attacking change. He has put Roberto Firmino on the pitch in place of Fred. The hosts mean business.

Brazilian coach Tite would want to see his players take a more direct approach in the second half. They need to attack the goal and get a few shots on target. So, far they have just not managed to create any clear cut chances. The Argentine defenders will tackle hard and the need of the hour for Brazil is to show some skill and trickery up front.

The first half comes to an end, Di Maria’s goal is the difference between the two teams. But what will be worrying for the hosts is that they haven’t had a clear shot at goal so far. Neymar has been tackled hard and he hasn’t got a whiff of the Argentine goal. Messi and his men on the other hand have looked sharp on the counter attack.

Brazil wina corner and it is driven into the near post where Thiago Silva gets a header in but it is glanced and runs out of play.

Angel Di Maria chases a long ball on the right flank but his foot gets stuck in the ground. He rolls out and looks to be in pain as the Brazil players urge the referee to continue the action. Di Maria is back on the field after a few minutes.

End to end studd as Brazil mount an immediate attack as it has been the case, Neymar is fouled just outside the box. Paredes gets a booking and Neymar wins a freekick in a good area. But the shot was fired straight into the Argentine wall and the threat is nullified by the Blue and Whites.

Another fast paced Argentine counter attack and Leo Messi gets a chance to shoot but it is wide off the post.

Brazil have tried to mount a couple of attacks but it is Argentina who look sharper in attack. Di Maria shoots and the ball is blocked inside the penalty box. A lucky escape for Brazil in the 28th minute. The ball hit Thiago Silva and almost dropped for the Argentine player but Marquinhos cleared

It’s a shocker for the hosts as Angel Di Maria puts Argentina ahead with an impressive chip over the Brazilian goal-keeper. It was a long pass from the mid-field and Di Maria drops it over Ederson.

That was a good move, the ball headed down in the path of Neymar inside the box and it bounces awkwardly for Neymar who get the shot away but the Argentina defender blocks. The hosts taking charge of the final now.

The template looks pretty clear as of now. Argentina looking to attack on the counter with the pace of Messi and Di Maria.

Late challenge by the Manchester United player and he gets an early booking

Brazil is pressing hard but Argentina has managed to keep some possession in the mid-field. Early touch from Messi.

Brazil start the play and they are playing a high line. The Argentines are under pressure. This is a mouthwatering clash.

The national anthems of both countries are sung vociferously by the players and the handful of fans as action begins.

The light and sound show with fireworks and pyrotechnics has started at the Maracana Stadium ahead of the final. It is great to see some fans inside the stadium. This is a historic venue.

“It is not possible to choose only one (best) player because this tournament has two of them,” CONMEBOL said in a statement.

Messi dished up four goals and five assists in six matches. Neymar delivered two goals and three assists in five games.

Brazil forward Neymar shares a very good relationship with Messi, ever since the duo played together for Spanish club FC Barcelona. But Neymar is aware of the rivalry between Brazil and Argentina and he said that his friendship with the Argentine will take a backseat in the final as both men will look to win the trophy for their respective teams.

“Messi is, as I’ve always said, the best player I’ve ever seen play and he’s a great friend, but now we’re in a final, we’re rivals. I want to win and I really want to win this title, which would be my first Copa America…Now Brazil is in the dispute, so our friendship is on the line. The respect between us is still great but only one can win. When you’re friends with someone, it’s hard to forget the friendship you have – but for example when you play video games with a friend, you want to beat him anyway. It’ll be the same thing on Saturday,” Neymar told reporters ahead of the final.

Lionel Messi has looked intense throughout the Copa America campaign. He has scored goals, made goals and has expressed his emotions as he looks to win his maiden trophy with Argentina. The Albiceleste has lost 3 Copa America finals and the 2014 FIFA World Cup final while the talismanic player has been in the team. He would want to end that run of defeats in summit clashes.

Hello and welcome to our live blog on Copa America 2021 Live Score, Brazil vs Argentina. Argentina have lost their previous four Copa America finals – and have not won the trophy since 1993. Brazil are the defending champions and they will look to hold on to the trophy. Who will come out on top?